Aquarium App FAQs

What is the Monterey Bay Aquarium app?

The Aquarium's official app for iPhone® and iPod touch® helps you get the most out of your visit. You'll learn about our animals and exhibits—plus programs and special events you won't want to miss! You can even share beautiful, professionally photographed Aquarium images with family and friends via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail. The app also includes an interactive map that highlights our exhibits, animals and amenities. Users with iOS 8 can pinpoint their location to easily navigate the Aquarium using Apple's indoor positioning within the app.

What features does the Aquarium app include?

The Aquarium app enables you to:

Learn all about our animals and exhibits plus programs and special events.

Set reminders for daily feeding shows and Auditorium Programs.

Navigate using an interactive map that highlights our exhibits, animals and amenities. Using Apple's indoor positioning within the app, you can even pinpoint your location to easily navigate the Aquarium.

Share your experience via Facebook, Twitter and e-mail.

Track the exhibits you've seen.

Create postcards with beautiful, professional photographs provided by the Aquarium, or share your own customized photos via the app.

Get tips that will help you get more out of your visit.

Get information about the Aquarium including operating hours, phone numbers and our location.

How do I get the Aquarium app?

The Aquarium app is free. You can download the app on the App Store or search for "Monterey Bay Aquarium" on the App Store and download it to your device. You can also use your computer to download the app from iTunes and then sync your device. Note that you'll need iPhone operating system (iOS) 8 or later to see your location on the map. You can update your iOS by connecting your iPhone to your computer, selecting your phone and clicking "Check for Update." When prompted, select "yes" to enable location services in iOS 8 to see your location inside the Aquarium.

What devices will the Aquarium app work on?

The Aquarium app is compatible with any iPhone, iPod touch and iPad® with (iOS) version 7.1.3 or later, but is optimized for iOS 8. The iPod touch must be connected to Wi-Fi. While the map is available for iOS 7.1.3 or later, the ability to see your location on the map is only available on devices using iOS 8. You can determine what version of the operating system you have by going to Settings -> General -> About -> Version on your device, or by plugging your device into your computer and viewing its summary page.

Is there a version of the Aquarium app for Android phones?

No, but we may consider this in the future.

What is the difference between the Aquarium app and the Aquarium mobile website?

The Aquarium website is mobile-friendly and may be utilized by devices other than the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The Aquarium app offers more features than the mobile site.

How much does the Aquarium app cost?

The Aquarium app is free. Note that if your device uses a cellular network (rather than Wi-Fi) to download data, you may be charged usage rates.

Does it take a long time to download the Aquarium app?

The Aquarium app is filled with beautiful, high-quality photos so the installation may take a few minutes to download if you're on your cellular network instead of Wi-Fi. The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers free Wi-Fi on site.

Can I use the Aquarium app offline or in Airplane Mode?

The app is designed to store most images locally on your device, so you can access them even if you're in Airplane Mode (wireless features disabled) or without a network connection. However, you do need to be connected to the internet to receive feeding times, Auditorium Program times and operating hours or to share your experience via Facebook, Twitter and e-mail.

Where can I use the Aquarium app?

The Aquarium app can be used anywhere, but we recommend that you connect to a Wi-Fi network if one is available. As an alternative, you can use the Aquarium app offline or in Airplane Mode.

How do I access free Wi-Fi at the Aquarium?

Go to Settings.

Select Wi-Fi.

Make sure Wi-Fi is ON.

Click on the blue arrow next to "MBA Public WiFi" and make sure Auto-Join is turned ON.

Accept the Terms of Use on the Log In page.

You're done!

Can the Aquarium app remind me of a feeding show or Auditorium Program?

Yes! If an exhibit has a feeding show for that day and it hasn't yet passed, the time(s) will appear as well as a button to set a reminder for minutes or even hours before its time. You can also find the times for daily and future Auditorium Programs from within the Calendar.

Can I purchase tickets to the Aquarium through the Aquarium app?

Not currently. However, you can visit our website to view ticketing information.

Can I get dining information through the Aquarium app?

Yes, you can find information for our various dining options by choosing "Dining at the Aquarium" from the Info screen. Operating hours, phone numbers and details for Cindy's Waterfront restaurant, the Cafe and the Coffee Bar are included.

Can I view the Aquarium's e-newsletter from the Aquarium app?

While you can't view the e-newsletter from within the app, you can choose "Sign Up for Our E-newsletter" from the Info screen to subscribe.

Does the Aquarium app detect where I am or provide a map to help me get around the Aquarium?

Yes! The newest version of our app includes an interactive map that highlights our exhibits, animals and amenities. Apple's indoor positioning allows users with iOS 8 to pinpoint their location on the map. Make sure to enable location services in iOS 8 to see your location inside the Aquarium.

How do I remove the Aquarium app from my device?

Press and hold the Aquarium app icon until it wiggles. Press the "X" in the corner and confirm deletion when asked.